Sealing machine



March 30, 1937.

A. PODEL SEALING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 29, 1955 INVENTOR Airy/mm Podel BYZZM 4AM ATTORNEY A. PODEL March 30, 1937.

SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1933 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 MEW H@ M ATTORNEY;-

March 30, 1937"! A. PODEL SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29,

8 Sheets-Sheet 5 M ATTORNEY- A. PODEL March 30, 1937.

SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec, 29, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR- v R, E

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% K Na ATTORNEY- 30, 1937 A. PODEL SEALING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 29, 1933 II III lllllllll ,/W W ATTO R N Y- llll March 30, 1937. A. PODEL SEALING MACHINE FiIed Dec. 29, 1955 22.9 [M 259 Z29 It? 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR- Aim ATTORNEY- March 30, 1937. A. PODEL SEALING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Shet 7 Filed Dec. 29, 1933 M ATTORNEY- March 30, 1937. A. PODEL 2,075,054

- SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29; 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR- M fATTORNEY- Patented Mar. 30, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Anchor Cap & Closure Corporation,

Long

Island City, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 29, 1933, Serial No. 704,487

13 Claims.

The present invention relates to sealing machines, and more particularly to a machine for sealing a plurality of closures to containers simultaneously.

Various types of sealing machines have been provided for sealing caps to containers. Some of these seal containers fed by hand one at a time, others seal containers presented in groups. With these existing machines the labor required in presenting and removing the containers as Well as in operating the machines is substantial and increases the cost of the packages. Efforts to minimize the labor required have resulted in expensive complicated. machines which the ordinary mechanics and machine operators cannot operate properly. In addition, due to limitations in the sealing mechanism and the accuracy required in sealing the containers, a number of the containers are broken; others are sealed imperfectly and the contents spoil. If a sealing machine fails to operate properly, objectionable relays are occasioned and frequently the manufacturer must send out a representative direct from the factory. This is particularly true where the machine is complicated. These and other difficulties have occasioned constant trouble both to the packer and to the cap manufacturer.

The present invention aims to provide a simple, inexpensive sealing machine adapted to overcome the difficulties of existing machines. The present invention also provides a machine which is efficient in operation and which can be readily utilized for forming hermetic seals with or without an internal vacuum, as well as applying other types of closures which do not form hermetic seals. In addition, the present invention contemplates the provision of cooperating mechanisms for presenting the containers in groups to the sealing machine, whereby individual handling of containers is eliminated; and the provision of safety devices to prevent accidental breakage of containers.

An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive sealing machine adapted to seal containers more effectively and efficiently than machines heretofore.

Another object of the invention is to increase the speed of sealing caps to containers.

Another object of the invention is to seal a group of packages simultaneously, thereby to decrease the labor required for handling the containers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine which forms a better vacuum and subjects a group of containers to a vacuum for a longer period of time without decreasing the speed of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine wherein a single vacuum is created within a chamber to exhaust air from a group of containers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine with automatic features which minimize the labor required for its operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine adapted to seal containers under a vacuum or under atmospheric conditions with the same degree 01" efficiency.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine adapted to be rapidly adjusted to seal different sizes of packages.

A further object of the invention is to provide suitable safety devices which insure proper functioning of the various mechanisms to prevent breakage and eliminate improper seals.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and Various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, wherein Fig. l is a perspective view, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 2 and 2a comprise a fragmentary front elevational View, partly in section, of a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational View, partly in section of the machine;

Fig. 4 and Fig. 4a comprise an end elevational View, partly in section, of the machine;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a preferred type of vacuum valve and a safety device for rendering the valve effective;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred safety device for stopping the trays of containers when the doors of the sealing chamber are closed.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View of a safety device for rendering the transferring device ineffective when resistance to movement of the container trays exceeds a pre-, determined amount;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view, partly in section, of a preferred mechanism for operating the doors of the sealing chamber;

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line 99 of Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View showing a preferred embodiment of a closure cap adapted to be sealed upon a container by the machine of the present invention.

Described generally, the present machine comprises a base upon which the various parts are mounted. A sealing chamber is provided above the base, wherein a series of sealing chucks are supported which are adapted to move downwardly, as a unit, to seal caps upon containers. The means which support thesealing chucks permit them to be adjusted with respect to the height of the containers to be sealed. Suitabledoors are adapted to close the ends of the-chamber and a vacuum conduit is periodically connected to exhaust air from the chamber and from the containers prior to the operation of the sealing devices.

Preferably, the containers are fed to the sealing machine arranged in box-shaped trays so that each container, while in the chamber, is underneath one of the sealing chucks. In order to move the trays into the sealing chamber, a supporting table is provided at one end of the table, having a mechanism associated therewith which moves the trays'into the chamber at desire'd'intervals. A suitable drive, such as a motor mounted in the base, rotates a plurality of cams which operate the various mechanisms intimed relationship. In the preferred operation of the machinejtrays are presented to or removed from the machine either manually or by automatic machinery.

Referring again to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. -1 to 4d, there is shown a machine having a base i formed from suitable castings provided with legs 2 adapted to-be bolted to the floor or to any other suitable foundation. At one end of the base, an extension 4 is provided upon which a suitable motor 5 is mounted. Preferably, the motor drives a series of reducing gears (not shown in detail) forrotating a sprocket gear 6, which by means of a chain '1, rotates a sprocket 9 (Fig. 2) mounted on sleeve I10 extending about a shaft (Fig. 4). In order'to protectthe motor from dust or other foreign substances and to shieldthe chain, the driven devices are enclosed in'a casingl'l (Figs/1 and 3).

A clutch mechanism l2 (Figs. 1 and 4) is provided at a convenient position on the machine for stopping and starting the machine without stoppingthe motor. At desired intervals, sleeve I Oby means ofthe clutch maybe made effective to rotate a shaft l4 having a pinion gear'l5 thereon,-'whichin'turnrotates a gear l6 mounted upon a drive shaft l1. It will be understood that other drives "and clutches maybe utilized to drive the main shaft ll, if desired.

Asuitable sealing chamber 16, which'will be described hereinafter, is provided abovethe base I for-receiving trays of filled containers'ZO having caps l8 loosely placed thereon. Apreferred packageis shown in Fig. -l0=comprising a cap having a bead inItheskirt thereofprovided with agasket which is adapted to be forced over the sealing zone -of athe :container by a downward thrust. Preferably, thecontainers'are placed insuitable trays-Z-L-adapted to holdthem in upright position and-in spaced'relation, whereby a group' of containers may be conveniently handledand presented tothe sealingmechanism. If desired, the

trays may be delivered to the chamber by an operator, but to facilitate more rapid handling and to minimize the labor required, an automatic tray feeding device 22 is provided at one end of the machine.

As illustrated more particularly in Figs. 1 and 3, the tray feeding device 22 may comprise a laterally extending table for receiving container trays at one end of the sealing chamber. Preferably, the table comprises a pair of members 25 which form a runway for the trays. The members 25 are secured at one end thereof to the base of thezmachine, while the other end of each member is secured to a bracket member 26 which is supported by stay rods 21 mounted on the base. In Figs.'2, 3 and 4, preferred means for moving 'thetraysinto the chamber are illustrated. These means are operated from the main shaft I! and, therefore, function in timed relation with the other devices of the machine, and preferably comprise acam 30 rotatably mounted on shaft I] and having an eccentric groove 3| therein adapted to receivea roller 32 mounted'on a member 34 pivoted to the base 35. A member 36 is connected at one end to member 3.4.and at its other end'to a suitable gear rack 31-.mounted on a shaft .39 mounted on the base at 40 (Fig. 4). The upper end of the rack 31 (Fig. 2) is provided with-teeth 4| adapted to mesh with a pinion gear 42 rotatably mounted on a shaft 44 below the tray guide. A second gear 45 is mounted on shaft .44 for engaging a gear rack 46 adapted to be reciprocated by operation of the rack 31 operatively connected to the eccentric cam 36. A carriage member 41 (Figs. 3 and '7) having tray engaging fingers 49 thereon is slidably mounted on a pair of rods 56, extending longitudinally beneath the tray guide so that the end of the rack 46 may be attached to the carriage to reciprocate thecarriage.

A releasable latch (Fig. '7) is provided between the feed carriage 41 and the reciprocatingrack 46 to permit the trays to stop if the doors .are closed. Preferably, this latchcomprises amem' ber 5| secured to the rack 46 having an enlarged extension 52 at the end thereof adapted to fit into a socket 53 formed by a pair of clamp members 54 and 55. Preferably,-the member 54 is bolted to the carriagemember 41 at .58 and the member 55 is pivoted thereto at 56, while a suitable spring connection 51, .set' at desiredtension, holds members 54 and 55 together to grip theextension 52. When the rack 46 is moved-toward the chamber, the member 5! gripped by the members 54 and 5.5 moves the carriage 4'! forward, whereby the fingers 49 push the 'tray'into the chamber. If movement .of the tray is stopped, the extension 52 slips out of the recess-53, whereby the carriage 41 and rack 46 are disconnected and further movement of the-carriage ceases. The rack 46 then moves idly forward and,-on reverse movement, forces the extension 52 intothe latch recess again. To facilitate the entrance of the extension 52 between the latch members and the reengagement thereof, the forward end of the member 55 may be tapered at 59. Afurther feature of the tray feed is that the fingers 491are pivoted to the carriage at 60 and are held upwardly by springs 6|, which permit slight downward movement of the fingers. In thismannena tray may be placed between the guide members .25 at their extreme end and pushed inwardly so that the tray rides over the fingers, which yield and move downwardly in response to the weight of the tray. When the tray-is in the position shown in Fig. 3, the fingers 49 are'moved upwardlyagain by the springs and are in position to engage the end wall of the tray. If desired, the movable parts of the tray feed may be protected by casing members 62 and 64, shown in Fig. 1.

The sealing chamber I9 (Figs. 1, 3 and 4a) is preferably constructed of a pair of cast side members Ill and II secured to the base of the machine, a top portion 12 having a sealing head mounted thereon, and a suitable bottom portion I4 adapted to support the container trays. Guide members may be connected to the inner sides of members I0 and 'II to properly position the tray with respect to the sealing head when the tray is pushed into the chamber. Since it is desired to utilize 15 the present machine for effecting vacuum seals,

a pair of vertically movable doors 76 are provided at the ends of the chamber adapted to open and close at intervals to permit the trays to be fed to and removed from the chamber. The

doors may be provided with a gasket Tl for sealing the ends of the chamber while the top, bottom and side members form an air-tight construction in which a vacuum may be created.

Preferably, the doors are mounted so that they slide upwardly and downwardly and move toward the chamber upon downward movement, and away from the chamber during upward movement, whereby the gasket will not rub against the ends of the chamber during the operation of the doors and will not be subjected to excessive wear. Preferably, the doors are permitted to move downwardly by gravity to simplify the mechanism for operating the doors. This movement may be accomplished by providing the upper corners of the doors with lugs I9 (Figs. 1 and 2a) having links 89 connected thereto, which are in turn connected to vertical supporting bars 8I slidably mounted in guide portions 82 on the sides of the chamber. The lower corners of the doors are connected to the bars 8I by link members 83 which, together with the links 80, serve to maintain the doors in parallel alignment with respect to the bars BI and with the ends of the chamber. To effect upward and downward movement of the supporting bars 8|, rods 84, operated by a suitable mechanism, about to be described, are connected to the lower ends of the bars. Preferably, extension blocks 86 connect the bars BI and the rods 84 and provide a support so for the lower link members 83. Prior to moving the doors to their lowermost position, the link members 83 are supported on the extension blocks 86 to draw the doors away from the ends of the chamber (Fig. 6). When the doors reach their lower position, the mechanism for operating the doors is effective to move the bars 8| further downwardly to pull the links downwardly and to draw the doors inwardly against the chamber (Fig. 3). When the bars 8I are raised, the blocks 86 support the link members 83 and move the doors away from the chamber.

The mechanism for operating the doors by means of the rods 84 is preferably operated from the main drive shaft I! and is illustrated more 5 particularly in Figs. 2, 4, 8 and 9. A cam 98 (Fig. 9) is rotatably mounted on the shaft ll and is provided with a cam surface 9I for engaging a roller 92 mounted on a frame member 94. The frame member 94 has an enlarged rectangular 7 slot 95 therein, wherein a member 96, supported by the shaft I1, is mounted for permitting the frame 94 to slide upwardly and downwardly thereon in response to the cam acting on the roller. The lower portion of the frame is pro- 75 vided with agear rack 91 adapted to engage a pair of gear segments 98 mounted on the shafts 99 to oscillate the shafts 99 upon movement of the frame 94. The shafts 99, preferably, extend to the sides of the machine so that a suitable bell crank I90 may be mounted on the respective ends of the shafts for raising and lowering each of the rods 84 operating the doors. Since the doors tend to move downwardly by gravity, the rods 84 move the bell cranks I09 downwardly to oscillate the gears to the position indicated in Fig. 9 and to raise the rack 97 and frame 94 upwardly to hold the roller in contact with the cam surface. When the cam moves the roller downwardly, the gear rack on the frame oscillates the gears 98 and bell cranks I99 to raise the rods 84 and lift the dors. The cam has a contour adapted to raise and lower the doors in timed relation with the tray feed mechanism.

In order to stop the downward movement of the doors without subjecting the operating mechanism to undue strains or jars, a shock absorber I I0 (Figs. 2 and 8) is operatively connected to the bell crank operating shafts 99. The shock absorber may comprise a cylindrical sleeve III having a spring H2 therein and plungers H4 fitting into the sleeve at the ends thereof adapted to compress the spring. A suitable casing member H5 is slidably telescoped about each end of the sleeve III and a bolt H6 is threaded therein to engage the plungers I I4. Preferably, the bolts H6 are adjustable so that the tension of the spring may be controlled. Each of the casing members H5 is pivoted to a bell crank II! at H8, while the bell cranks are connected to the shafts 99, so that when the doors move downwardly, the bell cranks I ll slide the casing memhers I I5 on sleeve I II toward each other, whereby the bolts I I6 push the plungers H4 together to compress the spring I I2 and to absorb any sudden shocks.

In addition to preventing undue strains on the door operating mechanism, the shock absorber H0 is adapted to pull the doors toward the sealing chamber when the doors are in their lower position. As the doors begin to descend by gravity, the bell cranks II'I extend downwardly to hold the shock absorber below the shafts 99 upon which the bell cranks H1 and IIlIl are mounted (Fig. l). The shock absorber spring H2 is then effective to partially resist downward oscillation of the bell cranks I08 which operate the doors. During downward movement of the doors the spring H2 yields gradually so that the bell cranks I00 move downwardly and the bell cranks I I? move upwardly. When the doors are in their lower position, the bell cranks II! have oscillated upwardly to move the shock absorbing device to a position slightly above the center of the shafts; 99 (Fig. 2). The shock absorber spring is now effective to oscillate the bell cranks H1 in the opposite direction to that in which they were being oscillated before they passed the center of the shafts 99. As a result the bell cranks I09 will be oscillated further downwardly. Since the doors are already in their lower position, further downward movement thereof cannot be effected by the bell cranks I00. However, the bell cranks I99 are effective to move the rods 84 and bar members 8| further downwardly, together with the link members 80 and 83 mounted on the bars, which in turn pull the doors inwardly against the sealing chamber.

In Fig. 6, a safety device is illustrated which is adapted to prevent container trays from being pushed against the entrance door when it is closed, which wouldmake it diificult to-open the door. The tray feed safety device (-Fig. 7) described above preventsany damage. Preferably, the safety device comprises an upwardly extending member I20 mounted on the base and supporting an oscillating stop member I2I pivoted thereto at I22. The stop member I2I is provided with a pin I24 extending inwardly in the path of the trays and an extending arm I25 adapted to fit against a cam portion I26 on the extension block 86. Preferably, a spring I21 is utilized to hold the arm I25 in contact with the cam. When the doors are being closed, the arm I25 moves downwardly with the block 86, placing the pin I24 in the path of the container trays. When the doors are being raised, the arm I25 is also raised and the pin .I24 is moved out of the path of the container trays, thus permitting the trays to be moved into the chamber. If the doors should be closed accidentally when a tray is presented,'the pin I24 stops the tray and the extension 52 of thefeed safety device (Fig. 7) moves out of engagement with thelatch members 54 and 55 torender thetray feeding mechanisminefiective as long as the doors remain improperly closed.

The present invention contemplates that the sealing machine may be used forboth vacuum seals and seals formed at atmospheric'pressure. If the latter type of seal is preferred, the doors need not be closed and are preferably held in their upper position without interfering with the operation of the feed carriage'and sealing heads. To accomplish this, a suitable aperture I30 is provided in the door operating frame 94 adapted to register with an aperture I 3| in the base of the machine, when the doors are raised, so that a pin or other suitable member I32 (Fig.1) may be inserted therein to hold the frame in its lower position. In this manner the doors are held .up and the roller 92 is held out of contact with'the cam 90.

A suitable valve mechanism I 35 (Fig. for exhausting air from the sealing chamber to form vacuum seals therein is operatively connected to a port I36 (Fig. 4a) formed in one side of the chamber. The mechanism shown herein serves a threefold purpose. It renders a vacuum line'I31 effective to exhaust air from the chamber, it maintains the desired vacuum while the containers are being sealed, and releases the vacuum Within the chamber after the sealing operations have been completed. The valve mechanism preferably comprises a casing I38 (Fig. 5) connected to-the port I36, an upper member I39 connecting the casing I38 to the vacuum line I31 and a lower-.memben I40 having apertures I 4| therein for releasing the vacuum within the chamber. Suitable valve members I42 and I43 are provided in the casing I38 forrenderingthe vacuumline I31 and the apertures I14I effective respectively at'desired intervals. The valve members I42 and I43 are held against suitable valve seats. I44 provided on the upper and lower members I39and I40 by means of a spring: I45 to normally close the vacuum line I31 and the apertures I.4I. In order to render the vacuumline effective, a rod I46 is threadedinto engagement with the upper valve memberI42. The rod I46, in turn, is operatively connected to an oscillating arm I41pivoted to the outer side .Wall of the chamber at I48. To connect the arm I41 andtherod I46 a sleevemember I'49.is slidably:mounted on the rod and is retained thereon by a bushing-I50 and anut I5I. The oscillating arm H'Iis pivoted'to the-sleeve member I49.at I52. In this manner downward movementof'thesleeve I49 will move the rod I46 and valve member I42 downwardly to open the vacuum line. Upon upward movement of the sleeve I49 therod I46 and valve member I42 are moved upwardly bymeans of the spring I45 to close the vacuum line. The lower valve member I43 is secured to a sleeve member I53 slidably mounted on the rod I46 above the sleeve I49. When the sleeve I49 moves upwardly it abuts against the sleeve I53 and raises the valve member I43 to makethe vacuum release apertures I4I effective. When the sleeve I49 moves downwardly the spring I45 is effective to hold the valve member I43 downwardly against the valve seat I 44 to close the aperturesHI.

The oscillating arm I41 may be operated by any suitable mechanism, but preferably a-cam I60 (Fig. I) mounted on the main drive shaft I1 is provided for this purpose. The cam is provided with a groove I'6I for receiving a roller I62 mounted on an arm I 64 pivoted to the base of the machine at I65, and the arm, in turn, is connected to a rod I66. The rod I66 is provided with a hook-shaped portion I61 (Fig. 5) for engaging a pin I69 on the arm I41 at desired intervals.

Suitable devices are provided for connecting the rod I66 and the arm I41 only when the doors are closed, whereby the vacuum valve cannot be operated when the doors are open. These devices may comprise a lever I (Figs. 1, 2, and 2a) pivoted to the side wall of the chamber at HI, and a link member I12 connecting the lower end of the'lever I10 to the rod I66. The lower end of the lever I10 is provided with a cam portion Iadapted to be engaged by a cam portion I14 on the block extension 86 operatively connected to the door I9 (Fig. 6). When the doors are closed the cam portion I14 engages the cam portion I15 and oscillates the lever -I10 toward the valve operating arm I 41 to move the hook portion I61 into engagement with the pin I69, therebyoperatively connecting the valve operating arm I41 to the cam 60. The upper end of thelever I10 is provided with a roller I13 adapted to ride on the side of the door operating bar 8| and a cam recess 88 is formed on the side of the bar 8| (Fig. 2a) for receiving the roller I13. When the doors are closed the roller extends into the recess to permit the cams I14 and I15 to oscillate the lever I10. When the doors are raised the cam recess 88 is effective'to oscillate the lever no away from the arm I41 and move thehook portion I61 out of engagement with the pin I69. If the doors should be closed improperly or should be locked in their raised position, the door operating bar BI is effective to hold the lever I10 and rod I 66 away fromthe arm I41 to prevent connection to vacuum.

If desired, a vacuum gauge I11 may be connected to the chamber at I18 to indicate vacuum or absolute. pressure within the chamber when the vacuum means are effective. A petcock I19 is provided for shutting'off the gauge when it is not desired to register. Likewise, if no vacuum is required, the vacuum line may be shut off by a hand valve I16.

Asealing mechanism for applying caps to containers and adapted to operate in timed relation with theifeeding devices and exhausting mechanism is shown particularly in Figs. 1, 2a., 3, and 4a. The casting 12, (Fig. 4a.) which forms the top of the sealingchamber- I 9, is provided with a plurality ofc'olla-rs I80, preferably four'in number,

wherein slidable rods I8I are inserted for supporting a sealing head I82. A suitable packing I84 held in position by suitable means as shown may be utilized for maintaining an airtight seal between the collars I89 and rods I8I to prevent air from leaking into the vacuum chamber. The sealing head preferably comprises a plate I85 provided with apertures I86 adapted to receive bolts I81 for securing flange members I89 and suitable sealing chucks or anvils I99 thereto. The bolts are provided with an enlarged portion I88 for permitting the chucks to be slidably supported thereon and to laterally adjust themselves. As shown in Fig. 4a, suitable apertures I9! and recesses I92 are provided in the plate member I85 and members I89 above the center of each chuck I90 for receiving resilient members I95 adapted to compensate for irregularities in the adjustments or in the sizes of the individual containers. A member I96, having a socket portion I91 is mounted in the aperture I9I and the upper portion of the chuck is provided with a corresponding socket portion I99 adapted to receive a ball member 299. In this manner, when the chucks press downwardly on a cap, they may yield slightly, due to the resilient members I95 which are effective through the ball and socket connection. The collar portions on the bolts permit slidable adjustment of the chucks and the ball and socket connections cooperate therewith to properly position the chucks with respect to the sealing head. In order to prevent marring of the cap, the chucks I99 are provided with members 25H of felt, soft rubber or other suitable material, attached thereto by means of bolts 292.

The members I89 not only provide means for attaching the chucks I99, but also provide a suitable connection for mounting the head on the supporting rods I 8!. Preferably, the members I89 are provided with a flange portion 205 forming a groove 2% for receiving a projecting portion 291 on the ends of the rods I8I, whereby the sealing head may be withdrawn by sliding portions 29'! through the grooves 206. In order to secure the rods within the grooves to prevent accidental sliding of the plate member, suitable members 299 (Fig. 3) are inserted into the grooves at the respective ends of the plate member and are held therein by means of a washer 2H) or other member attached to the plate member by bolts 2| I.

Since the present invention contemplates sealing a number of containers simultaneously, it will of course be understood that the number of chucks or anvils I99 corresponds with the number of containers in the tray. Likewise, the chucks are properly arranged so that a chuck is above each container- If desired, the entire sealing head may be quickly removed and another substituted.

The rods IBI, which suspend the sealing head, are supported and moved upwardly and downwardly by a suitable device shown in detail in Figs. 2a, 3 and 4a, which comprises a casting 220, having four collars 22I thereon for receiving the upper ends of the rods IIlI. Preferably, the rods ISI are mounted in the collars by means of a sleeve 222 fitting into the collars and about the rods. Each sleeve is rotatably connected by a flange portion 229 and a bushing 225 fitting above the collar, and is provided with a threaded inner portion 226 adapted to receive an upper threaded portion 22l of the rods I8 I. In this manner rotation of the sleeve 222 will raise or lower the rod to adjust the height of the sealing head with respect to the containers to be sealed. Suitable bushings 229, at the upper end of the rods, prevent the rods from being moved too far downwardly and out of engagement with the threaded portion of the sleeve.

In order that the four supporting rods I8I may be raised or lowered as a unit, to keep the sealing head level, a suitable sprocket member 239 is keyed to each of the sleeves 222 which is held thereon by a bushing 29 I, and a sprocket chain 232 operatively engages each of the sprockets. Preferably, the chain is rotated by means of a sprocket 234 mounted on a shaft portion 236 rotatably connected in a bearing portion 231 of the casting 220. The upper end of the shaft 236 is provided with a head 299 adapted to be engaged by a wrench or crank 249 (Fig. 2d) whereby rotation of the shaft 23% rotates the sprocket 230 operatively connected by the chain 232 to raise or lower the rods I8I simultaneously and adjust the height of the sealing head.

In order to operate the sealing heads, the casting 229 is raised and lowered at desired intervals by a mechanism operating in timed relationship with the other devices of the machine. Preferably, this is effected by providing the casting with a stub shaft 245 at each side thereof having a roller 296 at the end thereof fitting into a vertical slot 24? formed in a frame casting 249 mounted on the chamber. A link member 250 is keyed to the stub shaft 245 and a second link member 25I is pivoted thereto, which in turn is keyed to a rock shaft 252 rotatably supported in bearing portions 254 of the frame 249. Preferably, the shaft 252 extends across the top of the machine so that a pair of links 259 and 25I may be connected thereto at both ends to raise or lower the casting 229 in response to oscillation of the shaft.

To oscillate the shaft 252, an arm member 260 is keyed thereto at one of the free ends thereof, preferably at the side of the machine opposite the location of the vacuum valve and drive clutch mechanism (Fig. 3). A link member 26I connects member 299 to a bell crank 252 pivoted on the frame casting 249 at 262, while a suitable connecting rod 265 is operatively connected to the bell crank 262 at 266. Preferably, the rod 265 is connected by means of a spring device 263 adapted to absorb shocks when the sealing head mechanism is operated. This device may comprise (Fig. 4) a sleeve 257 connected to the crank 252 having the upper end of the rod 295 extending therethrough and a spring 269 telescoped about the rod and held thereon by a washer 279 and a nut 2II The rod 295 is provided with nuts 212 forming an extension beneath the sleeve 291, whereby upward movement of the rod moves the sleeve positively upwardly to lower the sealing head, while downward movement of the rod will compress the spring 259 and move the sleeve downwardly to raise the sealing head.

Preferably, the rod 265 is operated by an arm 214 connected thereto at 215 (Fig. 3), which is pivoted to the base of the machine at 216 and is provided with a roller 21? adapted to ride in a suitable cam groove. As illustrated herein, a cam groove 219 may be provided in the gear l6 (Fig. 4) mounted on the main drive shaft I! or otherwise, a suitable cam (not shown) may be mounted on the shaft adjacent to the gear It. In this manner, the above described mechanism for operating the sealing head is operated in timed relation with the other devices operated from the main drive shaft II.

The sealing devices described above are particularly adapted for sealing caps upon containers requirlng'a: d'ownward thrust to force the gasket over the sealing zone (Fig; 10).. The. present invention,-however,'.is not limited to this type of closure. If desired, other sealing devices maybe utilized, for example; sealing devices which. reform the skirt of the cap to apply it to the container.

In the operationl of the machine, adjustments aremade for the height ofthe sealing head with respectto thecontainersto be sealed and adjustments. are: made for closing the doors to operate the vacuum: valve; It is thenadvisable. to first turn the machine over-by hand through at least one-cycle to see that all: parts move freely. This may bedone by placing; a crank 29!) (Fig. 4) overthe substantially square end29:| of the shaft 14; movingthe clutch l2 into operative position and rotating thecrank 290. After the crank is removed; a tray having: filled containers therein with caps supported thereon may then beplaced on the tray feed table and the motor maybe started to=operateithe main drive shaft ll. The cam13ll 'wil1 be efiective'to-operate the feed car.- riage; whereby the'tray will. be placed into. the

' chamber'and;.if desired, the'doors-will'close. As

sooniastthe'doors are closed, the vacuum valve is operative to form: avacuum; in the chamber and remove air'from the containers. When the desired vacuum:has=been effected, the sealing head isoperated'in timed relation to bring the chucks downwardly upon the caps and seal them to the containers; As thecaps aresealed, the sealing head moves upwardly, the vacuum-is released. by the vacuum valve, and the doors are raised whereby the tray maybe removed at one end while another tray is fed to' the chamber by means of the carriage If the doors are closed accidentally, the safety stop blocks the tray and causes the carriage to be released from the: feed rack. Likewise; if the doors do not close, the vacuum valve is not operated. If it is desired to seal the containers at atmospheric pressure, the doors may be locked in their upper position by inserting the member I32 into the aperture I31 inthe base and the aperture I38 in the dooroperatingframe'. If'diff'erent sizes of containers are to be sealed, the. height of the sealing head may be adjusted or. the sealing head may be replaced to accommodate caps having different diameters.

Itwillbe seen that the present inventionprovides an improved sealing machine which is adapted. to seal. containers. in a chamber, either under a. vacuum. or at atmospheric pressure. Means are. provided for rendering the. vacuum efiectiveonly when. the chamber is closed. Suitable feeding-devices present a.number.of contain.- ers in trays automatically,. whereby a.p1'urality of containers are. sealed simultaneously. The. feeding, devices operateatfrequent intervalsand cooperate with the sealing means to effect rapid sealing of the. container. in aneflicient. and. effective manner, A-.f.urther. feature of the. inventionis thatsafiety devices preventimproper. feeding of. containers, whereby. breakage is. eliminated. The. manual. labor. requiredis reduced to a minimum, since the groups ofcontainers may be handled conveniently in-the'trays; likewise, the operating costs are very small due to the fact that: a. single source of power operates-the entire machine. In addition, thermachine'maybe-rapidly adjusted for any desired'size of container or cap'to' be sealedthereon. Ilhe machine is rugged in. construction; simple in operation, and can withstand. the rough. usage to which. it: may be subjected;

As various changes maybemade in the form, construction and arrangement of parts without departing from'the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing its advantages, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted; as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Havingthus' described my invention I claim:

1. In" combination with a sealing machine for sealing.- a plurality of containers, members at one end of the sealing machine for supporting a tray having containers therein, a. pair of. guide members extending along the length ofsaid supporting members--,. a carriage slidably mounted on said guide members for engaging-the tray, a clutch device. connected to said carriage, a member for reciprocating said carriageoperatively connected to said carriage'by means of said clutch device, and means for reciprocating said member operatively connected to said carriage, whereby said carriage is adapted to move the tray toward said sealing machine, said clutch being effective to disconnect said reciprocating member and carriage if resistance tothe movement of the tray is substantial.

2.. Ina sealing machine. the combination of a slidable. carriage for. presenting trays to a sealing. mechanism, a member mounted on said carriage for engaging the trays, a clutch device connected to said carriage having a recess therein, a member engaging said clutchrecess, and means for. moving, said member to move said carriage and present said trays, said member. being adapted. to be released. from said clutch. recess when movement of. the trays-isprevented.

3..In a sealing machine, the combination. of means providing. a sealing chamber having open ends for moving a tray therein, doors for closing said open ends, means for operating said doors, means for moving a tray having containers thereon into one. of said: open ends,. and a clutch for disconnecting the tray moving means from its drive to render it ineifective whenthe doors areclosed.

4. In. asealing machine, the combination of a chamber having. open ends, doors for closing said openends, means for operating said doors, means for moving a tray having containers therein into said chamber, amember. extending into the path of. the tray when said doors are closed to stop the movement of the tray, and a clutch associated with said tray moving means and responsive to pressure thereon for preventing further movement of. said tray when said tray engages said member.

5. Ina sealing machine, the. combination of a sealing chamber having. open ends, doors for closing said open ends, a cam operatively connected to. said doors for raising said doors, said cambeing, adapted to permit saiddoors to drop bygravity; and shock absorbing means operatively connected to said doors for stopping the downward-movement of. the doors.

6. In a sealing. machine, the combination of a chamber having open ends, doors for closingsaid chamber, means for raising and lowering said doors, means for operatively connecting said chamber to a vacuum creating device when said doors are closed, a sealing head in said chamber for sealing a plurality'of containers, means for maintaining said doors in their upper position to render said door operating means ineffective, and means forrenderingsaid vacuum connecting means inefiective when the doors are in their upper position.

7. In a sealing machine, the combination of a chamber having open ends, doors for closing said chamber, means for operating said doors, means for presenting a plurality of containers to said chamber, means for operatively connecting said chamber to a vacuum line, sealing devices in said chamber for sealing caps upon containers, means 10 for maintaining the doors in their open position without stopping operation of the sealing device and the container presenting means, and means for rendering the vacuum connecting means inefiective while the doors are held open without interfering with the operation of the presenting means and the sealing devices.

8. In a sealing machine, the combination of a chamber having open ends, doors for closing said ends to make said chamber air-tight, means for operating said doors, a vacuum line, a valve connected to said chamber and said line for creating a vacuum in said chamber, means for operating said valve in timed relation with said doors, and means operatively connected to said last means and one of said doors to render said last means ineffective when the doors are not closed. 9. In a sealing machine, the combination of a chamber, doors for opening and closing said chamber, a bell crank operatively connected to each of said doors, a shaft for mounting each of said bell cranks, a second bell crank connected to each of said first bell cranks and mounted on said shaft, and a shock absorbing means connected to said second cranks, said shock absorbing means being adapted to be moved by said second bell cranks above and below said shafts whereby said shock absorbing means are effective to exert a force in one direction upon said first bell cranks when the shock absorbing means are below the shafts and efiective to exert a force in an opposite direction when the shock absorbing means are above the shafts 10. In a sealing machine, the combination of a chamber, doors for closing said chamber, means for mounting said doors, means operatively connected to said doors and mounting means for spacing said doors from said chamber, means for raising and lowering said mounting means to raise and lower said doors, and means for moving said mounting means further downwardly when the doors are in their lower position to move said doors inwardly toward said chamber.

11. In a sealing machine, the combination of a chamber having open ends, a pair of substantially vertically slidable doors for opening and closing said ends, means for raising said doors simultaneously, said means being effective to permit said doors to slide downwardly simultaneously by gravity into closed position, and a shock absorbing means operatively connected to both of said doors for permitting both of said doors to simultaneously slide downwardly gradually.

12. In a sealing machine, the combination of a chamber having open ends, doors for closing said ends, means for raising and lowering said doors, means for moving the doors transversely towards said ends after the doors are in their lower position to securely hold the doors against said ends and seal the chamber, a vacuum line, a valve operatively connected to said line and said chamher, and means for operating said valve in timed relation with said door operating means, said Valve being eflective to create a vacuum when said doors are in closed position and eiiective to release the vacuum in the chamber before the doors are raised.

13. In a sealing machine, a sealing head comprising in combination, a plate member, members connected to said plate member for connecting it to supporting members, a plurality of sealing chucks, means for connecting said chucks to said plate member, a ball and socket connection between each of said chucks and said plate member adapted to permit said chucks to move with respect to said plate member to facilitate adjustment of chucks upon containers, and resilient means between each of said ball and socket connections and said plate member.

ABRAHAlVI PODEL. 

